Dapper
Meaning: A man who is neatly and stylishly dressed, looking polished and well-groomed.
Dapper specifically describes men who dress well with a classic, refined sense of style. Think clean haircut, tailored clothes, and attention to details like pocket squares and cufflinks. It carries a slightly old-fashioned charm and implies elegance rather than trendiness.
Examples
- Grandpa looked so dapper in his navy suit at the wedding. 爷爷穿着深蓝色西装参加婚礼,看起来非常绅士。El abuelo iba elegantísimo con su traje azul marino en la boda.おじいちゃんは結婚式でネイビーのスーツがとてもダンディだった。할아버지가 결혼식에서 네이비 수트를 입으니까 정말 멋있었어.
- He's the most dapper guy in the office — always in a pressed shirt with matching socks. 他是办公室里最讲究的男士——总是穿着熨好的衬衫配搭配好的袜子。Es el tío más elegante de la oficina — siempre con camisa planchada y calcetines a juego.彼はオフィスで一番ダンディな男だ——いつもアイロンのかかったシャツにお揃いの靴下。그는 사무실에서 가장 멋진 남자야 — 항상 다림질된 셔츠에 양말까지 맞춰 신어.
- There's something about a dapper man in a well-fitted blazer that just hits different. 一个穿着合身西装外套的绅士男人,就是有一种别样的魅力。Hay algo especial en un hombre elegante con un blazer bien ajustado que simplemente impacta.体にフィットしたブレザーを着たダンディな男性には、何か特別な魅力がある。핏 좋은 블레이저를 입은 멋진 남자에게는 뭔가 특별한 매력이 있어.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: compliments, formal events, men's fashion
Tone: admiring, classic
✓ Do Say
- You look very dapper today.你今天看起来很绅士。Hoy vas muy elegante.今日はとてもダンディだね。오늘 정말 멋지다.
- He's always so dapper.他总是那么风度翩翩。Siempre va tan elegante.彼はいつもダンディだね。그는 항상 멋져.
✗ Don't Say
- Primarily used for men — calling a woman 'dapper' sounds unusual in American English主要用于男性——在美式英语中称女性为'dapper'会显得很奇怪Se usa principalmente para hombres — llamar 'dapper' a una mujer suena inusual en inglés americano主に男性に使う言葉——アメリカ英語で女性に「ダッパー」と言うのは違和感がある주로 남성에게 쓰는 표현이다 — 미국 영어에서 여성에게 'dapper'라고 하면 어색하게 들린다
Origin & History
English word from the 15th century, likely from Dutch or German 'dapper' meaning brave or strong. In American English, it evolved to mean well-dressed and neat, particularly for men. Popular in early 20th-century American fashion vocabulary.
Cultural Context
Era: Early 20th century onwards
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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